In Romans 15:4-7, Paul instructs Christians to be like-minded one with another. Let’s review these instructions in light of the comments he had made in the previous chapter; namely, that we should “give in” to our weaker Christian brother so he doesn’t falter.
The entire goal of Paul as I see it is to encourage Christian’s to be united in their service for the Lord.
If stronger Christians go their own way, and do their own thing in spite of causing weaker Christians to be hindered, then the Christian body is not working as a cohesive, unified body. We achieve this like-mindedness through studying the Word of God. Consider verses 4 and 5.
Romans 15:4,5 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:”
Paul begins in verse 4 by saying that the things in the Bible are there for our learning. We receive knowledge of God’s plan through the reading and studying of His Word. Paul says that through His Word, we will receive patience and comfort. Paul points out that God is a God of patience and consolation (or comfort). We receive this hope, patience and comfort from the Lord when we read and study His Word.
We need this patience and comfort because our journey through life, in our respect, is a long one. There are many pitfalls and opportunities for us to falter and fall into sin. In the same what a tree springs up quickly with very little root to sustain it and can be blown over easily by the wind, we are the same way as new Christians. Until we study and read God’s Word, we will tend to be discourage, blown about by the winds of doctrine. We will tend to lose our patience and fall into sin. It is only through God’s Word that we will establish these roots of doctrine that will give us comfort and patience; and this will give us the hope that Paul talks about, that we’ll continue our walk with the Lord.
In fact, we are given to be likeminded with each other. Look at verse 5 again.
Romans 15:5 “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:”
I was a little confused when I read the phrase “grant you to be likeminded.” What does it mean when it says “grant you?” Does it mean that God gives us something? Or does it mean that God gives us as the gift? I think it is both. God through the reading of His Word, gives us a likeminded spirit. At the same time, God gave us to be likeminded. The word “grant” in this verse means to give something to someone else. Reading it like that would read “the God of patience and consolation gives you to be likeminded.” The purpose is in verse 6.
Romans 15:6 “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God gives us to be likeminded, so we will be united in our glorification of the Lord. God wants us to be united. He wants us to praise Him with one, united voice. Even in the face of disagreements between weaker and stronger Christians, we are to be united. It is a responsibility of the stronger Christians to initiate this unity by refraining from things which may be a hindrance for other weaker Christians.
Just as Christ has united ourselves with Him, we should take the steps to unite other Christians with us.
To learn more about Romans 15, follow this link.
